Roku to release 4K HDR Streaming Stick with new remote

Roku will be releasing a new Roku Streaming Stick+ capable of 4K and HDR video this year, according to Dave Zatz of Zatz Not Funny, who has accurately leaked several Roku announcements in the past. The new device will also come with a new remote that features power and volume buttons for controlling your television.

Roku tends to refresh their extensive lineup of streaming devices around this time each year and it looks like this year is no exception. Several new 2017 models are expected to be released this year, according to the report. One of those will be a “4K HDR Roku Streaming Stick+” to either replace or be sold alongside the existing Roku Streaming Stick, which was released in the middle of last year. The new device is said to maintain the stick form factor, instead of adopting a pendant form factor like the Chromecast Ultra has and the upcoming “Needle” 4K Fire TV device will have.

While images of the new devices are not available, Dave Zatz has managed to leak an image of the new remote, which is said to be included in multiple bundles. The new remote adds a power button and volume buttons that are said to control the television the Roku device is connected to. It’s unknown at this time if this will be done through IR, making it compatible with most TVs, or through HDMI-CEC, which would mean it could only control newer TVs.

Dave Zatz also says the ridiculously inexpensive Roku Express “will see a significant performance bump” this year. If Roku leaks are what you’re after, be sure to check Zatz Not Funny regularly over the coming weeks.

12 comments

I had selfishly hoped there would be no new Roku’s this year since I paid the full price last fall and kind of enjoyed having the top of the line. Now, they will move that line. I have no plans to buy any new Roku anytime soon.

I’ve never understood why people buy Roku devices. Without Android TV or Google capabilities, what’s the point exactly? It’s not like the apps it has don’t already come with your TV. Is it that people just like the Roku interface that much?

Years ago I was 100% Roku, then slowly shifted to 100% FTV(and a Mi Box). I’ve tried two Rokus in the past year or so, and both times find I quickly want to move back to FTV.

I bought a Roku Premier yesterday, kind of on impulse, to try Roku again. Of course the remote is RF, so I have to get used to pointing it at the tv again. sigh Just in general the FTV offers so much more for the money.

I do suspect Roku might have a little bit better picture though Not sure if it is in my head or not, but I’ve noticed it a few times.

Many of us used Roku’s long before there was Android TV and fireTV. The Ultra is actually a pretty amazing device now (had a rocky rollout) and does what it does well. You can’t sideload apps, so it’s a big boring in that respect. The interface is tired and not why I own them. I’m hoping for an interface update. I also have fireTV’s and a Nexus Player.

Honestly, it baffles me that all streaming devices are more popular now than they ever have been. Are there even TVs being sold now that don’t come with all of the necessary streaming apps built in? Or with the case of TCL and Element, the whole Roku or Fire TV experience built in? I sold my Fire TV 2 last year because I realized my Sony Android TV already has 4K HDR apps built-in (including Amazon).

One reason is many people have got stung by TV manufacturers bringing out new models and abandoning updating the apps on the old models so they no longer work. Also some TV apps do not have all the features of a stand alone streaming device.

Roku should get into the security business. Their devices are built like Fort Knox and no one has been able to root/hack it. It’s a shame because if it was rootable, they’d increase sales because of it.